Prius Head Gasket Replacement How To DIY 

0:00 YO 0:50 Disconnect auxillary battery and hybrid battery safety plug ("service plug grip" in repair manual) 1:13 Remove plastic engine cover 1:19 Remove wiper blades (3x 14mm nuts) and upper cowl panel 1:46 Remove wiper motor assembly (4x 10mm bolts, 1 wire connector) and lower cowl panel (10x 10mm bolts) 2:30 Unplug MAF sensor (1 wire connector); remove intake air cleaner assembly, air cleaner hose assembly, air cleaner cap sub-assembly, air cleaner hose assembly, air cleaner case (3x 10mm bolts) 3:29 Unplug ignition coils (4 wire connectors), variable valve timing solenoid (1 wire connector) 4:08 Remove ground wires (3x 10mm bolts) 4:46 Be mindful of damaging A/C compressor connector 5:07 Unplug A/C compressor, knock sensor, water pump, throttle body; Remove coolant lines and vacuum lines from throttle body; Remove intake manifold (2x 10mm bolts on EGR valve; 3x 12mm bolts, 2x 12mm nuts on cylinder head sub-assembly) 5:29 Double sneeze 5:36 Excuses 6:34 Remove intake manifold and throttle body as one unit 6:52 Remove cylinder head cover (12x 10mm bolts, 1x long 10mm bolt w/ non-replaceable seal washer) 7:30 Raise car; Remove splash shield 8:00 Drain engine oil and engine coolant 8:15 Unplug oxygen sensor, oil pressure sensor, crank position sensor 8:25 Excuses 8:30 Remove timing cover bolts (9x 14mm), crank pulley AFTER setting cylinder 1 to Top-Dead-Center/Compression (1x 19mm bolt), water pump (3x short 12mm bolts, 2x long 12mm bolts, non-reusable gasket) 9:13 Remove exhaust manifold (2x 14mm bolts, 1 bracket) 10:23 Remove EGR coolant hoses 10:41 Excuses 10:47 Remove radiator pipe from transmission (2x 12mm bolts); Remove radiator hose from engine block 11:15 Remove coolant reservoir (2x 10mm bolts); Remove A/C coolant line bracket (2x 10mm) 11:27 Remove motor mount (4x 17mm bolt, 1x 17mm nut, 1x 14mm nut) 12:36 How to set cylinder no. 1 to Top-Dead-Center/Compression 13:49 Remove timing chain tensioner (2x 10mm bolts, 1x non-reusable gasket); Remove water pump 14:55 Remove timing cover 15:28 Remove chain tensioner slipper and chain vibration damper; Remove timing chain 16:37 Remove EGR (4x 12mm bolts, 4x Torx E8 studs); Remove camshaft housing (15x 12mm bolts) 17:36 Remove radiator hose, remove fuel line 18:10 Remove valve rocker arms; Be mindful of losing valve stem covers 18:32 Remove head bolts (10x non-reusable 10mm bi-hexagon bolts); Be mindful of breaking bolts loose over multiple passes and from outside inwards to avoid warping, stripping, or other damage; Do not reuse head bolts as they are torqued upon installation and stretched 19:41 Remove cylinder head 20:35 Inspect pistons, engine block, and cylinder head for warpage; Resurface engine block and cylinder head; Clean camshaft housing and timing cover; Consider bringing engine head to an auto machine shop to resurface and inspect valve seals since you're already saving so much money replacing the head gasket yourself 22:10 Timing sprocket details 22:58 Apply replacement head gasket; Replace cylinder head 24:36 Add new head bolts (10x 10mm bi-hexagon bolts torqued 49Nm/36ftlb torque on first pass, 90 degree turn on second pass, 45 degree turn on third and final pass; Torque bolts from inside outwards on each pass for even torque) 25:41 Replace valve rocker arms; Add silicone sealant on clean edge surface to seal against camshaft housing; Replace camshaft housing 26:03 Replace timing chain with timing marks lined up on camshaft timing gear, camshaft timing sprocket, and crankshaft position sensor plate 26:51 Turn crank multiple revolutions to ensure timing marks are still lined up; Add silicone sealant to clean edge surface of timing cover; Replace timing chain tensioner and all other components in reverse order 27:20 Start car; There may be a rattle from timing chain tensioner that will disappear quickly Specialty tools: Torx E8 socket (don't get a cheap one), 10mm bi-hexagon head bolt male wrench (don't use triple-square) Standard tools: Penetrating oil e.g. PB Blaster to prevent breaking bolts or studs; Vice grips if you break a bolt or stud; 3/8" drive ratchet; 1/2" drive ratchet; 10mm, 12mm, 14mm standard sockets; 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm , 19mm, 21mm deep sockets Big thanks to Lets Drift Media for this helpful video. I also found this video from Gasket Masters to be helpful; it includes tips to remove the crank bolt if you don't have an impact tool (0:40), and how to prevent the camshafts from rotating when you remove the timing chain (12:18): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jxjIzhpwW78.html I also recommend paying $20 for a 2-day or $90 for a monthly standard subscription to Toyota's Technical Information System (TIS) via Snap-on (techinfo.snapon.com/TIS/register.aspx) and also writing/calling your local congressional representatives in support of a national Right To Repair bill to reduce artificial friction to fixing what you own so we don't have to pay for a subscription for the repair manual to our own cars.

I completed the head gasket replacement on my '13 prius using this video as reference. Can confirm this guy knows his shit. Thanks for the detailed video!

Thanks for the great video

Awesome video, Thanks for sharing! Btw, how did you go about bleeding the cooling system after?

Very good video

Great video! did you do the last 45 degree torque?

You're at California, where can I find you to get my prius repaired by you?

For the torque sequence you say it was 36 ft. lbs then a 90 degree turn, then a 45 degree turn. But you only did the 90 and not the 45...

What did you get from doordash?

Where is your shop sir ?

I learned how to replace my head gasket in 2020 before this video was made and it was such a pain in the ass with the limited resources, I was planning on making my own video to make it easier for others, but you've really said all that needs to be said!! This video is so concise yet educational. I truly don't think a better video could exist on this topic. THANK YOU!!!

When I do headgaskets I clean the top of the pistons probably doesnt do much but it makes me feel better lol

You’re a really good mechanic! I’ve done a lot of these things, but you just swoop in and remove every connector and bolt on the first try. Very impressive to see how your hands move, even with the sped up video.

Love doing these, can’t even count em anymore. Usually Cold misfire’s, easy money.

For anyone looking for the hex bit lock, it is made my SK. Just ordered a set, can't wait to use it!

Just curious what is the book time on doing this and what could you do it in if you didn’t film etc? Thanks!

Love clear tutorial videos like these u should do more repair videos!

I know a lot of people mentioned the quality of this video, but I couldn't resist commending you a little further. I've been an auto tech for over 30 years and this video hits all the critical points. Great job!!

Thanks for this video. Just picked up a clean 2013 with a blown headgasket and used this video to fix it this weekend! 👍

This video does more than demonstrate the mechanics of changing a head gasket. I would have said BS to a nine-hour estimate by a dealership for the same repair, but this proves what it really takes to get the job done correctly. Props to you and your channel.

Right off the bat you could just pull the thick white power wire in the fuse box and you have no chance of electricution.. Also why would you ever put a factory Toyota head gasket back on the car? That was the problem to begin with.

I'm absolutely not going to attempt this but it is fascinating seeing what the whole process entails.

Wish I had found you before some of the other mentioned and unmentioned how-to's for this process. Your tip about removing the valve and EGR cooler assemblies still attached to each other is a game changer for disassembly and reassembly. HELPFUL AF!!!!

I love how you go the whole video keeping it PG then drop some F-bombs when stressing the importance of removing the head bolts in a specific order.

This is like a $2500 job at a mechanic. After watching how it's done.... I get it. This guy made it look easy but that is a lot of work with so many things that can go wrong.

How many hours does Toyota give you for this job? What is the fastest time you've ever gotten it done in?

where can i get a blown head gasket repair formy prius 2011 in NJ?

Your repair tutorials are awesome! I would like to see more videos like this

Milwaukee recommendation is gold. Been using cordless drills for car disassembly since the early 00's. Also, taking out the wiper and cowl is something I wouldn't have thought of.

With timing cover off, follow the next three steps and you will do fine. The exhaust , the gear closest to the windshield, will have a blue spray mark next to the gear tooth to be aligned with the timing chain colored link. The intake gear, closest to the radiator, will be aligned with the slit that has a punch mark on the face just below the slit. The third colored link down at the crank shaft will be aligned with the punch mark upon that gear face. That's it. No rocket science. Just recently did this to my 2010 Prius and started up without no problem.

Dont need my gasket replaced, but I wanted to see whats in my car without taking it apart. Thanks for this video!

First time hearing it called that. We just call it F-I-P-G. lol

Did you check the EGR? Because now you have plenty of room and a clogged EGR (or partially clogged, no dashlights yet) causes higher combustion temperatures == > causing failing head gasket

Important question, what key parts do you recommend changing while doing this repair? So far my list is: gaskets & o-rings, timing chain, head bolts, water pump and the spark plugs. Anything else while going this far into the motor? BTW Nick, this is a great video, you do a fantastic job of providing good explanation where needed and then moving quickly through the process. Many thanks, I'm preparing to tackle this project very soon. Take care!

I love these repair videos in person live in front of me. Thanks for doing this!

What's up man been following for a while now great work as always...anyways I've done head gaskets on these and engine swaps. my last engine swap I get a P0aa6. I don't have a Toyota scan tool so i don't have the sub code to isolate the HV bleed. It's not in the HV battery because code doesn't trip Key on not ready but trips right away Key on ready in neutral which tells me its in the inverter or ac compressor. I suspect the compressor as a decent amount of water entered the motor connector. resistance (not on hybrid side) climbs to around 4 mega ohms. But AC compressor works fine. I suppose I am writing to you because you make mention in this vid about blowing out the AC compressor in the past. was it the same issue? AC working but p0aa6? next step is resistance checks on the HV side of the compressor. Anyways...any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you

FEL PRO makes pretty decent head gaskets for these engines. Could also replace the chain tensioner while at it. Plus clean out the intanke manifold / egr / egr cooler.

Love your video man ,hard work 👏 I have a 2015 prius that need the same job .would love to get in touch to see if you can fix it for me .im located socal too .

I seen a 13' Prius V that needs a head gasket and could be a bargain to get it at the price its at. Also needs corner brake line work but that's not difficult to fix. But head gasket I'd never done before diy. Great video man, happy new year 🙏

you HAVE to do a Butthead impersonation from Beavis and Butthead, you really sound like him! link me if you do!

The timing chain tensioner can go two different positions. Does the locking lever go to the top or toward the bottom. Also it would been great to show once the timing cover was put on how you released the tensioner. Very important. You do not want that engine to skip a tooth and thus throwing off the timing of the engine

Can I drive my 2012 Prius v to you? How much to do my head gasket? I can get there. Just one bad cylinder one misfire. I'm desperate, Man. Im in Houston.

As I’m watching this video 4:00 mins in. I have to say this video is very nicely done.

Crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer with grooves for a belt but nothing has a belt. So then why even have a pulley? Why not just a cap or plug?

Good job. I do most everything on my 11 Prius but this is too much. Have to pay for this. Only 80K miles on it so hoping I don't need it.

Update: My 2014 head gasket repairs finally completed. Took about a month. Car runs great and they'll recheck it at after I drive it for 500 miles. Final bill was $4,715.12. Ouch, but I'm not a mechanic, and this should help my car maintain decent trade in value. One of the reasons I could afford the repair is the money this hybrid saved me in gas and less often repairs overall, living up to It's KBB rating in 2014 as lowest cost to own over it's first five years. Obviously, I've gone 3 years past that now. Hope this info is of use to other and future Prius owners. Thanks LDM for showing what a mechanic goes through to do a repair like this, it's an informative video.

Idk why but I got the urge to wipe that piston down @23:33. Would I have fucked it up? LOL

omg metal dust after grind goes right in open cylinder....

I have a 14'' Auris(in Europe Corolla E150 and E180 are Auris until 18'') with 210k km,and I've had the morning misfires and also misfires while driving in the first 1-2 minutes and also the car throwed about 0.2l of coolant from the cap. Cleaned EGR and replaced plugs and it stopped the missfires but still I added some coolant and when I opened the cap I think the pressure was higher then normal. Oil and coolant are clean. Is there any way to be sure that it's the headgasket? Water pump is brand new OEM changed 5k ago to avoid headgasket :D

Everything is loud and clear ♥️😍. But.If it is a blown head gasket.. why didn't you face block and head..cause they are aluminium.. i got bad experience replacing head gasket without unfaced head and block.. i think aluminium engines should face when you deal with blown head gasket.. My personal experience!

I'm pretty surprised his employer doesn't mind the extra time it takes to video and show people how to work on their own vehicles. Seems like your backstabbing yourself and losing business.

How long will it take me, 2017 lexus ct200h, my first 1 ever. I do know things about cars as well

Did you notice milky oil cap after this job? The head gasket job was done about 2 months ago by a professional shop. Even after 2 oil changes, I still see the milky foam on the oil cap. I clean it every time but it keeps depositing.

so, just curious. I'm working on a 2010 prius with the same engine code. And Alldata says it takes 18 hours and you gotta remove the engine. So.... my question is.... well..... so i guess you don't have to remove the engine? Has anybody here ever done this by removing the engine? seems unesseccary.

Bruh, this is not DIY material lol. Definitely need a professional lol

the intake manifold and egr valve need to be replaced with new units to ensure the hg doesn’t blow again. likely the intake manifold is plugged internally.

Did you say that you didnt drain and change the oil before you started it?

my Prius started occasionally rattling on COLD startup and got the engine light with code P0300 P0301 P0302 P0303 and P0304. In other words ALL the cylinders are misfiring. So today I took the EGR valve out and am cleaning. Should I replace the spark plugs, coil, injectors etc? Or is this a head gasket?

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to put this all together for us.

I can’t believe you didn’t make any cleaning for these missy cylinders😢

Great video! Thank You! I'm sure I could do this myself, if I had to, but having kept a VW Vanagon on the road for 10 years, I know I don't want the stress, especially when it comes to the timing etc.. That feeling I get when I'm taking everything apart wondering if I'm ever gonna see my car on the road again is a stressful feeling. I think I'm gonna either find a mechanic to do it for me. Your video helped me make my decision and I appreciate that :)

How much was this repair?

Man, I'm usually good with fixing my own stuff but this looks complicated! LOL Looks so simple I'd be lost!!

Head gasket in one day , very good Nick , nice work.

Great video, many thanks. One small question: Do you guys also check each time surface planarity before installing the head back?

Mechanic told me if fix head gasket it will then start burn oil better get another engine is he right

What I want to know is why did this head gasket fail in the first place? 8 year old Toyotas very rarely need head gasket replacements.

Quick tip putting oil on torque head bolts elements the screeching when torqueing

" Boom boom boom i want you in my room " 😆😂

im really surprised you didn't send off the head to have it resurfaced. I've probably done 25-30 of these.

Awesome video So talented

not to say that I am going to start working on all hybrids lol but this gave me a lot more confidence

Did you end up resurfacing the head ? or did it meet spec for manufacter level? @letsdriftmedia

Did anyone else see the two different torque sequences? Also, all the noise when torquing the head bolts down means that you did a dry torque which will yield a lower torque. You need to lubricate the bolts with oil or something like arp head bolts lube to get proper torque via a wet torque.

2021 model and need a gasket replacement? I have a 2008 model with the same problem. Good job Toyota, I’ll never buy this hybrid anymore.

Why didn't you put the block at TDC before putting on the head

What causes the head gasket to fail in the first place?

I really appreciate most of this video but when you're trying to show those bolts on the exhaust manifold you provide no orientation as to where the fuck you are

I’m hoping you just forgot to film that last 45 degree torque sequence on the head bolts.

My ct200 wants to volunteer for head gasket repair

My favorite engine to work on. Keep them vlogs coming...

Where is the shop? I may need some service in my Prius...

Only guy i would trust to do this job on my 2011 Prius.

I can take it apart, just can't put it back together.

I've seen some dealers where no one knows what a straight edge is lmao

A blown head gasket on a Toyota? Howww

I like the music thats just some guy saying "doo doo eye" and then a nightcore version of the same thing

Great Video! step by step tutorial can’t go wrong as long as you take ur time and be patience. Unfortunately for me, I came across 4 CEL codes after the install and engine shaking was even worse smh all misfires as followed P0300 P0301 P0303 P0304. Installed new spark plugs as but not the coils as they all where working fine prior to repairs even went back and installed the old spark plugs, still no luck any advice and where I went wrong? Only Next step would be to replace all coil plugs correct? It’s a 2013 Lexus CT200h which is the same engine. Any help would be appreciated!

Bought a Prius V and do not want any more Prius Car.

Going into this video, thinkin I can do this…….leaving after 2 min in saying, hell naw

head gasket done in less than 30 minutes! Well done!

Was wondering if u took to head to machine shop ?

I cringed when he sanded the head block. Is this kosher? i know he wanted to get the surface clean, but is this the recommended method?

I thought the Prius engine was reliable

Prius , fantastic vehicle mine has done 230k miles with no issues apart from one flat 12v battery.

How can I remove the pulley bolt? The pulley turns as I turn the bolt. My attempts to keep the pulley from turning have been ... laughable

This was a fantastic video bro. Keep them coming!

Doing this job as well speak and using your video to get it done. Thanks.

I might have missed, but you didn't have the head resurfaced?

Do you have a parts list needed for this repair? Also and specific sealant I should use? And do you recommend replacing the timing chain?